WHITE PLAINS - They're not painting the town red, but ArtsWestchester does plan to create a multi-colored mural on a stretch of Mamaroneck Avenue to celebrate its 20th anniversary on the thoroughfare.

"We're really excited about it, and we're hoping the public will love it," said Janet Langsam, CEO of the nonprofit organization that has promoted public art throughout Westchester in a variety of ways since it was founded in 1965.

"Touches of color in the downtown will make the city more beautiful. I have a feeling that a lot of 'selfies' are going to be taken there," she said.

ArtsWestchester runs programs and a gallery from the former bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Ave., which underwent a $10 million renovation after it was acquired in 1998. The nine-story building — a historic landmark — now serves as a space for artists, cultural organizations and the community. Hundreds of events, performances and exhibits have been held there over the years.

Officials are hopeful that new signs and the street mural will create a stronger presence for the organization in the downtown.

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A top view of the mural displayed on a laptop that will be painted by WANE, a graffiti and muralist on the street in front of ArtsWestchester on April 10, 2018. (Photo: Ricky Flores/The Journal News)

"We want people to come to the gallery and to the different events we hold here. The mural will be a reflection of all the creativity that goes on inside. It brands us in a way that we can't do on the building itself because of the restrictions landmark status carries," Langsam said.

The project got off the ground in last year, when a committee of officials from ArtsWestchester, the White Plains Business Improvement District, the city and Kite Realty — owner of the White Plains City Center — began meeting to discuss the mural. The City Center is right next to ArtsWestchester, which served as an art consultant during the mall's renovation in 2016.

The original idea was to paint the nearby crosswalks, but Tom Soyk, the city's deputy commissioner of parking and traffic, pointed out there are a lot of restrictions on what could be done. He suggested painting the mural on City Center's new valet lane, which also runs in front of the ArtsWestchester headquarters.

A request for proposals was sent out and graffiti artist "Wane One" was selected from among the 21 artists who submitted bids. He's had exhibits and public art works in many U.S. cities and internationally. Work on the mural, which will cost between $15,000 and $20,000 to paint and maintain, is to begin next month.

It will be finished in time for ArtsWestchester's May 17 "Arts Birthday Bash," to celebrate the anniversary and raise funds for programs. Scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m., the bash will include exhibits from artists who occupy the building's studios, and tastings from the menus of 30 top area restaurants.

The mural will occupy the drop off/pickup lane on Mamaroneck Avenue between Martine Avenue and the City Center's entrance on Mamaroneck. The mosaic-like work is meant to reflect the activity of the busy downtown business district and draw attention to ArtsWestchester.

The city approved the mural earlier this month.

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Janet Langham, CEO of ArtsWestchester at their offices in White Plains on April 10, 2018. (Photo: Ricky Flores/The Journal News)

"I think it's a great idea," said Joanne Franks, who was walking past the City Center on Thursday morning. "Anything that brings a little color to the city is good. Maybe it's just the weather, but it seems pretty drab here."

The project is in keeping with ArtsWestchester's work. The organization helps fund public art and cultural events throughout the county and serves as a consultant to private businesses, hospitals, and corporations looking to create art on their properties. The Ridge Hill Shopping Center in Yonkers, White Plains City Center, Mount Vernon Public Library and Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla have all used their services.

The largest nonprofit arts council in the state also brings artists and programs to a number of area schools, including those in the Mount Vernon, Yonkers and Greenburgh Central school districts.

The mural project has been approved for five years. Langsam said the artist will preserve the work with layers of a special coating designed to protect it from the elements and foot traffic. As part of the contract, he'll maintain and touch up the mural for a year.

After that, she said, "If a pothole comes our way the city will repair the street and we'll take care of repairing the painting."

Visit ArtsWestchester.org or call 914-428-4220 to buy Arts Birthday Bash tickets, which cost $75. The website also has complete descriptions of ArtsWestchester programs and events and information on making a donation.